Ghost of Yotei’s setting raises questions about historical authenticity and cultural sensitivity that go beyond its choice of protagonist.

When Ghost of Yotei was unveiled at September’s PlayStation State of Play, the internet predictably exploded over Sucker Punch’s decision to replace Jin Sakai with a new female protagonist, Atsu, voiced by Erika Ishii. But while keyboard warriors were busy typing out their “get woke, go broke” manifestos, some astute observers noticed something far more concerning.

Not the protagonist swap we should be worried about right now. | Image Credit: PlayStation/YouTube

The game’s 1603 Hokkaido setting isn’t just historically inaccurate—it’s potentially problematic in ways that could make or break this highly anticipated sequel. And no, we’re not talking about whether women could be warriors in feudal Japan (they absolutely could, by the way).

A ghost in more ways than one

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The concerns about Ghost of Yotei extend far beyond its deliberately anachronistic title or casting choices. In 1603, Mount Yotei wasn’t even called Yotei—the local Ainu people knew it as Machineshiri. But this naming discrepancy is just the tip of a historically problematic iceberg that threatens to sink the game before it even sets sail.

The stunning landscapes shown in the announcement trailer paint a picture of a samurai-filled feudal province, complete with sprawling castles and traditional Japanese architecture. There’s just one small problem—none of that existed in 1603 Hokkaido. The region was primarily home to the Ainu people, Japan’s indigenous population who would later face systematic erasure from their own lands.

While some fans have defended these creative liberties as necessary for entertainment, a meticulously researched Reddit post has blown the lid off just how far the game strays from historical reality:

The post’s author, u/GetmyCakeForLater, backs every claim with historical sources that paint a very different picture of 1603 Hokkaido. And what about that massive castle dominating the trailer? Pure fantasy. The only Japanese castle in Hokkaido (Matsumae Castle) wouldn’t be built until 1606, and even then, it was a modest three-story structure located far to the south.

However, architectural accuracy is just the beginning of potential issues. The bigger question looms: how will the game handle its combat encounters? Will players, as Atsu, end up fighting against the Ainu?  The prospect of turning marginalized people’s tragic history into gaming entertainment doesn’t sit well with many, especially given Japan’s complex relationship with its indigenous population.

Between authenticity and entertainment

A castle built on historically shaky foundations. | Image Credit: Sucker Punch Productions

Sucker Punch earned tremendous goodwill with their handling of Ghost of Tsushima, even becoming ambassadors for the actual island. But Hokkaido in 1603 presents a far more delicate challenge.

The Japanese presence in the region at that time was minimal, limited to small fishing villages and trading posts along the southern coast. The timing itself is particularly loaded—1603 marked the beginning of a centuries-long process of colonization that would forever change Hokkaido’s cultural landscape.

This leaves the developers with some tough choices. They could take creative liberties with history, but risk contributing to the further erasure of Ainu culture. Or they could tackle the complex historical reality head-on, potentially sacrificing the kind of action-packed gameplay their fans expect.

The studio has promised fans “an original story” that they “can’t wait to tell,” and their previous work suggests they’re capable of handling sensitive material with respect. But threading this particular historical needle will require exceptional care and sensitivity.

While we remain hopeful that Sucker Punch can pull it off, the concerns raised by the community deserve serious consideration.

What do you think about these historical concerns? Should Sucker Punch have chosen a different setting or time period? Share your thoughts in the comments below!